Exams and Tests

The evaluation of chondromalacia patella includes reviewing the history of precipitating, aggravating, and relieving positions or activities. The examination will include an evaluation of the hips, knees, ankles, as well as the thigh and leg musculature. Grating (crepitus) of the kneecap against the thigh bone (femur) during flexing and extending the knee can sometimes cause a pain response.

The diagnosis can be suggested by the history and physical examination. Often, empiric treatment is begun at this point. Sometimes, further testing with X-rays and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is done to be certain other knee problems are not present within the knee joint or in adjacent tissues.